5. Part One — 4

1So gaze with Divine Insight into the horizons of the Supreme Knowledge and into the souls of the perfect words of Eternity, that all the mysteries of the spiritual Wisdom may appear without "veils of glory" and become manifest from behind the covering of Favor and Bounty. The contradictions of people and their controversies have resulted wholly from their lack of knowledge and understanding. For example, they could not comprehend and attain to the truth of the explanations given by the beautiful Countenances of the True One concerning the signs of the subsequent Manifestation. Thus they hoisted the standard of corruption and lifted the banner of sedition. It is evident that only the Eternal Temples apprehend the interpretation of the words uttered by the Doves of Eternity; and it is only the hearing of the people of immortality which can detect the melodies of the Nightingale of Reality. The Copts of tyranny have no portion of the wine of the Septs of justice; and the Pharaoh of unbelief will never view the White Hand of Moses; as it is said: "None knoweth the interpretation thereof except God and those who are well grounded in knowledge" (K. S. 3). Notwithstanding this, they have sought interpretation of the Book from the people of veils and did not acquire knowledge from its fountain-head. For instance, when the day of Moses had passed and the lights of Jesus pervaded the world from the dawn of Spirit, the Jews objected that the one who is promised in the Pentateuch must promote and fulfil the laws of the Pentateuch, whereas this youth of Nazareth who calls himself the Messiah of God hath abolished the laws of divorce and of the Sabbath, which are the greatest laws of Moses; and moreover the signs of the Manifestation have not yet appeared. Thus the Jews are still expecting the appearance recorded in the Pentateuch. How many of the Holy Manifestations of Unity and Dawning-places of the Light of Eternity have appeared since Moses in the world of creation, while the Jews have been and are still veiled by their satanic, egotistical veils and their selfish erroneous opinions! They still await the time when this fictitious temple will appear according to their understanding of the given signs. Consequently God hath punished them for their sin, stripped them of the spirit of faith and caused them to suffer the fire in the depths of hell on account of their ignorance of the texts recorded in the Pentateuch concerning the signs of the subsequent Manifestation. Since they did not understand the reality of these signs and as such things did not outwardly appear, they were therefore deprived of the beauty of Jesus, did not attain to the Meeting of God and were of those who await. Thus the nations by their adherence to similar inventions arising from improper notions, have deprived themselves of the pure, clear and flowing fountains.

2In unfolding these mysteries, We have mentioned some of the texts of the Prophets in wonderful harmonies of Hijaz (Arabic) in former Tablets written to one of the believers. In these pages We again speak of them in cheerful melodies of Irak (Persian) at thy request. Perchance this may guide those athirst in the deserts of remoteness to the Sea of Nearness and those wandering in the wilderness of separation and abandonment to the Tents of Presence and Union. Thus the clouds of error may be removed and the world-illuminating Sun of Guidance dawn from the horizon of the soul. We trust in God, seeking His assistance. Perchance there may flow from this pen that whereby the minds of the people will be quickened until they arise from their beds of heedlessness and, through the permission of God, hear the warble of the Nightingales of Paradise from the Tree planted in the Rizwan of Unity by the Hands of Power.

3It hath been evident and clear to the possessors of Knowledge that when the fire of the love of Jesus burned the veils of Jewish limitations, and the authority of His Holiness, even in the outward sense was partially recognized, that Beauty of the Invisible spoke of separation to some of His spiritual companions and enkindled the fire of yearning, saying: "I go and I come again." And in another place he said: "I go and another will come who will tell you all that I have not told you and will finish all that I have said." These two statements are in reality one, were ye to witness the Manifestations of Oneness with the eye of God.

4To one who views with ideal perception, the Book of Jesus as well as His Cause were in fact confirmed at the time of the "Seal of the prophets" (Mohammed). In name, Mohammed said "I am Jesus," even ratifying the signs, records and Book of Jesus as being from the presence of God. In this sense there is neither any difference in them nor in their Books, inasmuch as both have arisen by the command of God, speaking the praise of God. The Books of both declared the ordinances of God. For this reason Jesus said "I will go and come again." Even as the sun: If the sun of to-day says "I am the sun of yesterday," it is true; and yet if according to daily sequence, it says "I am other than the sun of yesterday," this is also true. Likewise consider the days: If it be said that all the days are the same, it is correct and true; and if it be said that according to name and designation they differ from each other, this also is true as thou seest. For though they are the same, yet in each one there is a name, quality and designation which is different from the other. By the same method and explanation, understand the stations of separation, difference and oneness of the Holy Manifestations, so that thou mayest comprehend the interpretations of the words of the Creator of the Names and Attributes, concerning separation and union. Thus wilt thou fully discover the answer to thy question why that Eternal Beauty hath, in various instances, called Himself by a different name and title.